Pune: As the latest ceasefire violation by Pakistan left five persons dead and 34 others injured in Jammu and Kashmir, BJP chief Amit Shah said that Indian forces have been giving a befitting reply to such acts by the neighbouring country ever since the NDA government came to power.

"There was firing at the border earlier as well. But there is a difference; earlier, Pakistan started the firing and ended it too from across the border, (but) under the BJP government now, Pakistan starts the firing but Indian forces silence it. They are being given a fitting reply," Shah told a rally here.

Targeting those criticising the new government, Shah said, "They cannot see this and so do not know what is the difference in security at the border. They cannot see the change in foreign policy. How the pride of the nation has improved across the world."

In one of the worst ceasefire violations by Pakistan, five villagers were killed and 34 injured today in heavy mortar shelling and firing from across the International Border and Line of Control in the Jammu and Poonch sectors of J-K.

Pakistani troops engaged in heavy and unprovoked firing and shelling on 10 border outposts and civilian areas along the IB in Arnia belt of Jammu district starting 10 P.M. Last night continuing into the morning today, a BSF spokesman said.

BSF troops retaliated effectively, he said, adding that intermittent firing exchanges were on in the area when reports last came in.

SSP (Jammu) Uttam Chand said that five persons were killed and 34 others injured as several hamlets were hit by the shelling.